Formula One

Bahrain

Bahrain’s $150 million Racing Circuit in Sakhir became operational in early 2004, hosting the first ever FIA Formula One World Championship in the Middle East. The event provides a huge tourism boost to the country as fans and journalists from around the world gather to watch the races; this year, more than 100,000 enthusiasts were expected to attend from Saudi Arabia alone.

The circuit has also attracted other international race series such as international Formula 3, GP2, GP2 Asia, the FIA GT Championship and the BMW World Final.

In 2007, the circuit became the first Grand Prix circuit to get the FIA Institute Centre of Excellence award, given for excellent safety, race marshal, and medical facilities; and for the high standards of technology required to maintain these.